High strength bioresorbables containing poly-glycolic acid
AssigneeSmith & Nephew, Inc.
InventorJohn Rose
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Polymer compositions comprising poly-glycolic acid (PGA) or a functional derivative thereof with a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa are disclosed. Processes suitable for manufacturing said compositions are also described, comprising rendering PGA into an amorphous state then drawing to form a highly orientated polymer structure. The polymer compositions can be used to make artefacts, for example sutures, or used in combination with other polymers or non-polymeric substances to produce other artefacts, for example medical devices suitable for implantation into the human body. Processes for the production of said artefacts are also described.
Claims32
A polymer composition comprising poly-glycolic acid or a functional derivative thereof, both (1) in an oriented fibre form or an oriented filament form and (2) having a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa.
An artifact comprising poly-glycolic acid or a functional derivative thereof, both (1) in an orientated fibre form or an oriented filament form and (2) having a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa.
A process for the manufacture of a polymer composition comprising the steps of:
- forming poly-glycolic acid or a functional derivative thereof into fibres;
- quenching the fibres;
- and subjecting the quenched fibres to a tension under conditions whereby a defined region of the tensioned fibres is drawn;
- wherein the resulting polymer composition is the from of an oriented fibre having a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa.
A process for the manufacture of a polymer composition comprising the steps of:
- forming poly-glycolic acid or a functional derivative thereof into fibres;
- quenching the fibres to form an amorphous structure;
- and subjecting the quenched fibres to a tension under conditions whereby a defined region of the tensioned fibres is drawn;
- wherein the fibres are drawn in a manner to minimize the time the polymer is exposed to elevated temperature;
- and wherein the resulting polymer composition is the from of an oriented fibre having a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa.
A process for the manufacture of a polymer composition comprising the steps of:
- forming poly-glycolic acid or a functional derivative thereof into fibres;
- quenching the fibres to form an amorphous structure;
- and subjecting the quenched fibres to a tension under conditions whereby a defined region of the tensioned fibres is drawn;
- wherein drawing at localized points within the amorphous structure results in increased polymer orientation;
- and wherein the resulting polymer composition is the from of an oriented fibre having a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.